Organizers are seeking volunteers and those interested in playing an integral role in the second annual Floral Park Belmont Festival Parade as this community pays tribute to the third jewel of racing's Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes.

On Tuesday, May 1 at 2 p.m., the Floral Park Village Hall, One Floral Boulevard, will host a meeting for anyone interested in becoming a part of the Floral Park Belmont Festival Committee. Volunteers can choose from a wide array of exciting activities and assignments including parade, window decorating, bands, sponsorships, publicity, and many others.

The Floral Park Belmont Festival Parade is scheduled for Saturday, June 2, one week before the 133rd running of the historic Belmont Stakes. The parade will get under way at 6:30 p.m. in front of the Mayfair Gate at Belmont Park. The parade will wind its way down Floral Boulevard to Verbena Avenue and Tulip Avenue, before concluding at Memorial Park, where the Our Lady of Victory Festival will be held in the church parking lot as in years past.

Street performers, antique cars, face painters, cartoon characters and musical entertainment are all part of the festivities, which drew more than 8,000 people for last year's inaugural event. Organizers are also seeking various service and sports organizations, as well as local merchants, who'd like to participate.

"It's a wonderful opportunity for the chamber of commerce, village and New York Racing Association to work together for the benefit of everyone," said Terry Gamble, president of the Floral Park Chamber of Commerce. "Hopefully this event will help us showcase Floral Park and demonstrate to everyone all this community has to offer. It's also quite simply a fun day for everybody."

The Floral Park festivities are part of the annual Belmont Festival, a month-long series of events slated for communities throughout Long Island, including Garden City and the Town of Hempstead. Now in its third season, the Belmont Festival has quickly become one of the season's premier events - culminating in the running of the celebrated Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 9.

For more information on becoming a part of the Floral Park Belmont Festival Committee, please contact Terry Gamble at 327-6977.